Religious scholar and journalist Alan Levinovitz discusses how
diet culture is like a religion, why so much modern nutrition
advice is dangerous, why we need to think critically about
restrictive eating practices, how suspicion of Western medicine can
lead people to believe in harmful "miracle cures," why the "nocebo
effect" is causing people to unnecessarily demonize particular
foods, and lots more. This episode originally aired March 5,
2017.

Alan Levinovitz received his PhD in religion from the University of
Chicago where he specialized in classical Chinese thought. He is
now assistant professor of religious studies at James Madison
University, where he teaches classes on religion, Chinese
philosophy, and the connection between religion and medicine. His
journalism focuses on the intersection of religion, science, and
culture, and has appeared in The Atlantic, Wired, The Washington
Post, Slate, Vox, and elsewhere. He is the author of The Gluten
Lie: And Other Myths About What You Eat. Find him at James Madison
University and on Twitter at @AlanLevinovitz.

About the Podcast

Helping people make peace with food since 2013. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CDN talks with guests about their relationships with food, body image, eating disorders, weight and size acceptance, non-diet nutrition, exercise, self-compassion and self-care--all from a body-positive, Health at Every Size perspective. Along the way, Christy shares her own journey from disordered eater and dieter to food writer and anti-diet dietitian, and offers tips to help you accept your body and let go of guilt about food. This podcast challenges diet culture in all its forms--including the restrictive behaviors that often masquerade as wellness and fitness. Food Psych® is designed to offer safe and non-triggering support for listeners in recovery from eating disorders, weight stigma, and body shame. Subscribe for new anti-diet inspiration every week! Learn more and get full show notes and transcripts at christyharrison.com/foodpsych
(Disclaimer: All content in this podcast, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of the information contained in this podcast does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.)